Newsgroup Security

Basically, there is no security when it comes to newsgroups. This is one of the most public of forums, and as such there is little or no protection from abusers.

However, the good news is there is not much to fear from newsgroups. Unlike web surfing, you are not anywhere near as exposed to hostile attackers. There are some things you need to be concerned about, however.

1. Viruses. As with everything on the internet, you MUST be concerned about and protected from viruses. Newsgroup postings that contain viruses are rampant. Make sure you scan any binaries that you download from newsgroups often.
2. Spam. The worst thing you will encounter is spam. Tons and tons of spam. First in the newsgroups themselves, and then if you post you will start receiving spam. The best protection from spam from newsgroups is to make sure your "from" and "reply" addresses in your newsgroup browsers are set to a free email account which you basically ignore.
3. Flaming. Occasionally you will get a response to a post which is very hostile. This is called flaming. It's always best to just ignore flames, as responding just leads to flame after flame. Newsgroups are supposed to be about communication, not shouting at each other.
4. Software. My advice is to never, ever run any software which has been downloaded to a newsgroup. Even with the best virus scanner you cannot be sure it's not a hostile program. If you really want the software, find it on a trusted web site somewhere and download it from there.
5. Pornography. Unfortunately, porno-scum post dirty pictures to all newsgroups constantly (except those which are tightly moderated). If you let your kids rea newsgroups, you can be sure they are being exposed to plenty of pornography. My advice, never allow your children anywhere near a newsgroup. These are much worse than the much more publicized dangers on the web.